IIMSAM Marks International Day of Older Peoples

IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud message's on International Day of Older Peoples. He urged for respect, dignity and admiration for older peoples and for realizing the contributions which older peoples have tendered to the civilization. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) October 01, 2010 - Observing International Day of Older Peoples Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said "this day is an opportunity to say thank you for the huge contribution that older people make to society in every walk of life, as grandparents, friends, colleagues, and as mentors to the younger generations. This day is a great opportunity to honor, respect and acknowledge older peoples contribution to the society".

The General Assembly designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons by resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990, following up on initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the General Assembly. In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the 2nd World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

The UN estimates that, globally, one out of every ten persons is now 60 years or above; by 2050, one out of five will be 60 years or older; and by 2150, one out of three persons will be 60 years or older. The celebration of the day this year is based on theme of 'Older persons and the achievement of the MDGs'. "The fact that we are all living longer is great news and worth celebrating, but it also represents one of the major challenges for the 21st century. Older people have much to offer and we have much to learn from them. If we ignore this, the loss is not only to them but to the economy and more importantly to our communities and younger generations", said Dr. Homoud.

For social security, population ageing is at the heart of the challenge brought by demographic changes. The impact of an ageing population on social security is manifold. It increases the dependency ratio between the non-working and the working population, as well as the demand on the healthcare system. In some contexts, ageing may weaken the sustainability of old-age insurance schemes, and increase needs for long-term care programmes. Worldwide research confirms that social security schemes worldwide are adopting proactive policies and measures to invest in people, and to promote health and employment, in order to cope with these developments."As a society we must ensure older people are not excluded from society, disadvantaged or left vulnerable in anyway. We must do all what we can to help those who are most vulnerable, those who live with financial hardship, those who live with poverty, those who live lonely and isolated lives and those who fear for their personal safety", asserted Dr. Homoud.

"On this International Day of Older Persons, I call upon governments and all concerned actors to promote a society for people of all ages, to expedite implementation of the provisions of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and to work towards changing attitudes, policies and practices so that, in the twenty-first century, the enormous potential of older persons may be fulfilled", said Dr. Homoud. He further urged stakeholders to give serious thoughts to the issue of advancing health and well being for today's older persons. He advocated to ensure that ageing of society does not become a burden, but instead that it adds value and opportunities for development through actively engaged older populations.

IIMSAM reiterates its commitment to create a society for all ages where elders get their due in terms of leading a healthy, active and dignified ageing. IIMSAM through its camps has been taking a number of pro-active steps in this regard. On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), IIMSAM under visionary guidance of its DG, H.E Ambassador R. Maradona reaffirms its commitment to keep working for welfare of older peoples and for ensuring dignified life for them through its various programmes, asserted Dr. Homoud.

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